Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Site 15. Boatman Road (2) (Charleville – Bollon Road)
STOCK ROUTE NUMBER: M528
PRIORITY SPECIES: Animals:
yakka skink (Egernia rugosa).
RATING: BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
SHIRE COUNCIL: MURWEH SHIRE
As with other biodiversity hotspots along Boatman Road (sites 14 – 18, pp. 82-90),
this site included a rabbit warren occupied by yakka skinks (Egernia rugosa) in a
monospecific stand of mulga with no understorey (Plate 48). Yakka skink scats, both
fresh and stale, indicated the presence and abundance of this species. Additionally,
this site had good connectivity with habitat on the surrounding land.
Plate 48. Active rabbit warren with yakka skinks (Photo: B. Walsh).
THREATS: The major threats to the yakka skink at this site are predation from feral
cats, foxes and dogs, inappropriate fire regime, the destruction of the habitat by road
works, and the destruction of the habitat if the rabbit warren are ripped up (if rabbit
numbers rise and control is implemented).
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: None.
RECOMMENDATIONS: As with other biodiversity hotspots along Boatman Road
(sites 14 – 18, pp. 82-90), the priority actions at this site would be to include this
location in the pest control activities for feral predators implemented by Murweh Shire
Council, and to protect this habitat from any destructive impacts caused by any road
works and rabbit control.
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